Wilderness Punishment

Josie Strong: A Dark Road Suspense #3

by Todd Borg

From the author of the bestselling Tahoe Mystery series...

When a Forest Service Ranger is killed near Lake Tahoe, the ranger’s wife contacts the governor of California. She wants the governor, who is a family friend, to convince UCLA Professor Josie Strong to investigate. When Professor Strong resists the request, the governor cancels the professor’s classes and blackmails her into tracking down the killer. But the murderer is an Army-trained sniper. He has weapons and the best training, while all Josie Strong has is her medieval knowledge.

Josie designs a classic medieval trap. If she succeeds, she may get the murderer. If she fails, the penalty will be death...

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

Todd Borg and his wife moved from Minnesota to Lake Tahoe in 1990. After his fourth Tahoe novel, he sold his business to write full time.

In addition to winning the Ben Franklin Award for Best Mystery of the Year, Todd Borg's Owen McKenna mysteries have been chosen for Top 5 Mystery lists by the prestigious Library Journal, and by Mystery News Reviewer G. Wedgwood. He's won Best Mystery and Best Thriller honors from the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association and received Best New Fiction accolades from libraries. His novels have also received starred reviews and raves in major trade journals and newspapers across the country.

Todd Borg and his wife live on Lake Tahoe's South Shore.

Series:
* Owen McKenna Mystery

Reviews

[Tom Deal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prolific Lake Tahoe author, Todd Borg, has released one highly-rated book a year for more than 20 years. To challenge himself, now he's also releasing one per month, with the third in his new “Dark Road Suspense” series dropping on September 1st, and the fourth on October 1st. To stretch his proven writing skills, he's created a mother-and-teen-daughter adventure team, blending the mom's “medieval weapons” specialty and the daughter's blossoming abilities. While this causes the bad guys unexpected problems, they deserve what they get. It might be a springy branch in the face, or a bolt from a crossbow, or a shower of rocks from a trebuchet, but they do the trick as the women save themselves from tense and unusual threats. Pick up the book when you have enough time for a long read, and remember to hydrate as you sweat out the close calls along with Josie, Samantha and the special characters that they fold into their lives.

[MoistT4co · Rating 5 out of 5]

Todd Borg delivers an intense and riveting story in Wilderness Punishment. The plot grips you right from the start, as Professor Josie Strong is forced into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse after a Forest Service Ranger is murdered. Borg does a fantastic job of building suspense as Josie, armed only with her knowledge of medieval tactics, faces a killer with military expertise.

One of the most fascinating parts of the novel is when Josie and Samantha get to meet Street, Owen, and Spot. This meeting adds layers of tension and strategy, especially as these characters bring both skill and vulnerability to the hunt. Street's rugged survivalist edge, Owen's calm precision, and Spot's fierce loyalty contribute to an unexpected alliance that keeps you on edge. Borg’s descriptions make you feel the wilderness around them, amplifying the sense of isolation and danger as they go toe-to-toe with a sniper in his own element.

Borg’s choice to have Josie rely on ancient techniques against modern-day threats creates a unique blend of historical knowledge and contemporary suspense. Her medieval-inspired trap is a brilliant twist, and it leaves you holding your breath to see if she can actually pull it off. Wilderness Punishment is a masterclass in suspense, showcasing Borg’s ability to combine intricate plotting with powerful character dynamics. If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you guessing, this one’s a must-read.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started slowly but then raced to a thrilling end! Most all of the loose ends were tied up, except for finding out about Samantha's father, but maybe we'll never know that. Now I have to read the next book right away because an idea came to me about that poor depressed dog, Unknown. I think I know what her problem is. There was possibly a tiny hint at around 80%, or maybe that was just me seeing things as hints that aren't really hints at all.

[Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Writer Snares a Good Story

Once again Todd Borg is the master storyteller. How am I not surprised find Street and Owen slipping into the story. Todd please continue this great series and of course the Tahoe mysteries. Thanks again.

[Lisa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best One Yet

I’ve read all three Josie Strong books, and I’ll continue to read them as they are published. Todd Borg always includes educational information, and this book is no exception. The recurring characters are definitely developing well.

[Brenda Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

adventure by a mom and daughter

It is exciting to see how two normal people get involved in a drama. Then get out of trouble with medieval techniques. Enjoy these characters as well as Owen McKenna by Todd Borg

[Diane Dutra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Wilderness book!

I have always loved Todd Borg's Tahoe series. And now I'm reading the Wilderness series and enjoying them! I love how Borg brings in Josie's 'people' with each book and adds w each consecutive book! (As he does w Owen in the Tahoe series.)

[Susan Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series more & more & seem to be learning a lot about subjects I never thought I would!!! I love seeing the progression of the Josie Strong character. Good work, Todd.